Being monolingual means only knowing one language. Most Cashmere students are monolingual but their language is English. Students who come from countries where English isn’t their first language face unique challenges when attending Cashmere High School. The struggles these students face are challenging because, not only do they have to learn another language, they also have to learn the school subjects in that language.
Student Anderson Paz helps out his friend Anderson Pacheca, a monolingual student, on his Tech work.
Andy, a monolingual student, relies on his bilingual friends for help. He may understand a few phrases/words in English, but when he needs help, he says, “ I ask for help from teachers and friends. Sometimes I ask for help from those around me. I also like learning by reading in groups or in class. ”
Student Martha Martinez is in front of her English class presenting her slides.
Monolingual students struggle with talking in front of their classmates. Since they don’t know much English, they struggle with pronouncing words. Martha says, “ The hardest part about learning English is that I struggle pronouncing words or understanding their meaning. I also learn English by paying attention in class so then I can learn and try to speak it.” It takes a lot of courage for these students to get in front of their classmates and speak in a language they don’t know much about.
Student Andy is getting help from Ms. Cisneros.
Ms. Cisneros is a great help to monolingual students. She helps them with any type of class work. She tries to make the students feel welcome and like they can rely on her. Even if they don’t understand the English language, she treats them as if they’re no different from other students. When asked if he felt welcome in school this is what Andy said, “I do feel welcome in Cashmere. I used to not be able to speak English, but I have understood some and can speak it little by little. ”
Student Martha is seen getting help from Ms. Cisneros on her math test.
Ms. Cisneros is also someone monolingual students rely on for translating their work or for a school subject. She’s a CHS paraprofessional who helps students whenever they need it and makes them feel welcome. This is what Martha has to say about this: “ I feel welcome in Cashmere because the teachers and classmates have helped me. I have made progress in English. Before I did not understand it, but now I understand it a bit. I don’t speak it a lot though.”
Student Martha is seen using Duolingo to help her practice the English language.
Monolingual students use apps or socials to help them understand the language. When they can’t rely on a person from school or that they feel uncomfortable talking to someone in person, they use an app or read books. Martha explains what she uses to learn English, “ I use an app to practice English like Youtube, Duolingo and others. I also practice it by talking it outside of school in my free time like in my house. I will keep practicing it because it will then help me with my future studies.”
These students are an important part of CHS, and we are proud to have such hard workers as part of our school community.
